Mexico City — An overwhelming 85% of Mexicans surveyed anticipate that prices will continue to rise as the year draws to a close, highlighting a pervasive sense of economic anxiety across the nation. According to a recent study by Research Land of Grupo UPAX, consumer confidence is being heavily weighed down by the expectation of persistent inflation, with only 1% of respondents predicting a decrease in costs.

The findings reveal a stark landscape of uncertainty. While 85% expect upward trends, 14% predict price stability, suggesting that a widespread reduction in the cost of living is virtually off the table for the majority of the population.

Economic Projections vs. Consumer Reality

The public sentiment aligns closely with official economic forecasts, though it underscores the severity of the lived experience. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently projected an average inflation rate of 4.1% for Mexico in 2026, slowing to 3.4% in 2027. While these figures suggest a gradual moderation in the pace of price increases, they do not indicate a reduction in actual costs—a distinction that remains a primary concern for households.

Furthermore, the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) estimated in its September 2026 survey that private sector specialists expect general inflation to reach 3.87% by the end of the year. This indicates that while the “frenzy” of price hikes may be cooling slightly, the upward trajectory remains firmly intact.

Impact on Household Spending

The survey also captured a complex psychological state among consumers. While 34% expressed “moderate optimism,” a significant 37% reported feelings of uncertainty or worry, and 21% expressed a sense of resignation. This reflects a population that is attempting to remain hopeful while simultaneously struggling with diminishing purchasing power.

The tangible effects of these rising costs are already visible in daily life:

• 49% of respondents admitted they have had to sacrifice comforts.
• 28% reported being forced to skip covering some basic needs entirely.
• 19% have made minor adjustments to their budgets.
• Only 4% reported that their lifestyle remains unaffected.

Data from the National Survey of Income and Expenditures (ENIGH) 2024 reinforces these concerns, showing that Mexicans allocate an average of 37.7% of their monetary spending to food, beverages, and tobacco, with transport and communications accounting for another 19.5%. Together, these two categories consume more than half of the average household’s resources.

Consumer Defense Strategies

To combat the looming price hikes, the majority of Mexicans are shifting their shopping habits. Approximately 41% of participants plan to take advantage of promotions and bulk purchases, while 34% intend to eliminate non-essential expenses. Additionally, 14% plan to switch more frequently to “store brands” (private labels) to save money.

When asked to attribute these rising costs, the public pointed toward a mix of global and domestic factors. 44% cited international economic conditions, 41% pointed to internal government policies, and 13% blamed the logistical and production costs faced by companies. Interestingly, only 2% blamed retail speculation for the current price levels.